Word for the Week

Rolling down rather than limping on.

Week beginning: 19th November, 2017 | By David McIlroy | London

"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

Amos 5:24 (NRSV)

Amos faced a situation in which, because of bribery and oppression, justice was not upheld in the courts (Amos 5:10, 12). He called for justice to roll down like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. It may not be bribery which prevents justice happening in the British courts, but costs, delays and inefficient administration mean that it can feel as if justice is limping rather than rolling on.

Amos' vision was for a community in which people's righteousness (tsedeqah: their right relationship to God and to their fellows) would be expressed in right decisions (mishpatim) when conflicts or questions of co-ordinating interests arose, both in and outside of the courtroom.

Let us pray that God will give us wisdom this week to discern how we may promote the resolution of conflict and collaboration which puts relationships right.

Prayer Points:

1. Consider those situations, whether clients, family or church, that need reconciliation. Pray now for Godly wisdom, justice and right relationships to prevail.

2. Pray for all those who are involved in the administration of justice in the UK, and for wise decisions to be made by them.